BEST blames MMRDA for poor connectivity

The Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport ( BEST) undertaking has blamed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the poor connectivity to monorail stations.

“We need details such as frequency of services and timings to start regular feeder routes to connect the monorail station with bus depots and railway stations. However, we still haven’t received any detailed traffic plan from the authority,” said OP Gupta, general manager, BEST.

The undertaking has also pointed out MMRDA’s failure to provide a station-wise plan to the BEST for emergency services as well as the terminal and parking facilities around the monorail stations, which is expected to affect bus services.

“Whenever a new transport infrastructure is developed, infrastructural provisions, such as terminal facilities, parking space for smooth operation of BEST bus services, must be provided. The absence of such facilities affects bus services,” said the undertaking.

Dilip Kawathkar, joint project director, MMRDA, said, “The time table will be ready by Saturday and will be immediately sent to the BEST. With respect to the parking facility, we will try to identify the spaces and will provide them, if available.